NEW: Providence Bans Smoking in Some Public Housing

The Tobacco-Free Providence campaign is beginning to pick up steam as the Providence Housing Authority (PHA) is set to announce a smoke-free policy for five elderly and disabled high-rise buildings.

The five high rises affected—Carroll Tower, Dexter manor, Dominica Manor, Kilmartin Plaza and Parenti Villa—soon institute a policy in which residents will only be permitted to smoke in certain areas designated by the PHA. The policy is aimed at promoting a healthier living environment, reducing risk of fires and preserving property values.

In a news release, the city said 243 public housing authorities across the country have implemented similar smoke free policies, including four others in Rhode Island—Pawtucket, Lincoln, Newport and Warwick. The city said the new policy is based on research that shows that eliminating smoke in indoor spaces is the only way to fully protect residents from the dangers of second hand smoke.

The PHA offers free services to uninsured and underinsured residents who want to quit. The program includes counseling with nicotine specialists from the Providence Community Health Center (PCHC) and free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products, such as nicotine patches, gum and lozenges.

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